Torque Bar Or Tube Stabilizer Patents (Class 267/188)
  • Patent number: 11731481
    Abstract: There is provided a stabilizer for a vehicle, including a torsion bar fixed to a car body and configured to be rotated about a longitudinal axis of rotation without changing a position, two arm links connected to both ends of the torsion bar, and two drive links connected to each of the two arm links through a ball joint so as to be able to be rotated three-dimensionally, in which the two drive links are configured to, during cornering of the vehicle, adjust a degree of torsion of the torsion bar by rotating about an axis of rotation of a strut assembly or a steering knuckle connected to the two drive links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2023
    Inventor: Soon Gil Jang
  • Patent number: 11345204
    Abstract: A suspension system having a knuckle carrier. A pivot mechanism may pivotally couple a control arm to the knuckle carrier. The pivot mechanism may include a preload nut that may exert a preload force on a bearing assembly. A platform may be fixedly disposed on the knuckle carrier. The platform may support an air spring and may have an arm that is coupled to a stabilizer bar subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Edwin D. Lorenz, Adam P. Sadlik, Michael Schlundt, Rituja D. Marathe
  • Patent number: 10435068
    Abstract: A suspension system for a vehicle may include a knuckle rotatably supporting a wheel and a plurality of arms connecting the knuckle with a vehicle body wherein an arm among the plurality of arms may be a virtual link formed by a virtual link module and a point at which the virtual link applies a constraint force to the knuckle may be formed at a virtual space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation, Seoul National University R&DB Foundation
    Inventors: Seungmin Kwon, Yong Sub Yi, Seung Hoon Woo, Yoon Young Kim, Suh In Kim
  • Patent number: 10414224
    Abstract: A wheel suspension assembly (1) for a vehicle, having a spring damper (2), a first transverse link (4), which has a first transverse link strut (4a) and a second transverse link strut (4b), a second transverse link (5), a first tie rod (6), a second tie rod (7), a reversing lever (8), a hub carrier (9), a steering gear (10) and a pendulum support (11). Each transverse link (4, 5) has an end (12), on the hub carrier side, and two ends (13, 13a, 13b), on the chassis side. The steering gear (10) is arranged in a plane with the first transverse link (4) and in a section between an end (13a) of the first transverse link strut (41) of the first transverse link (4), on the chassis side, and an end (13b) of the second transverse link strut (4b) of the first transverse link (4), on the chassis side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Alexander Neu, Knut Heidsieck, Peter Kontermann, Holger Lohmüller, Witalij Knaub, Joachim Cichy, Klaus Solik
  • Patent number: 10408264
    Abstract: A bearing arrangement for connecting two components including a bearing bushing having an inner sleeve and an elastic element surrounding the inner sleeve. Two connection portions are arranged axially on both sides of the inner sleeve wherein a connector having a shaft portion extending through the inner sleeve applies a clamp force compressing the connection portions axially against the inner sleeve. The inner sleeve is deformed by the clamp force of the connector in such a manner that at least one contact portion of the inner sleeve presses radially to the inside and against the shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Ivica Papic, Hubertus von Chappuis, Xiaodan Markowitz
  • Patent number: 10328976
    Abstract: The invention relates to an axle support for a multi-track motor vehicle, having a first side member, a second side member, and at least one cross member connecting the first side member and the second side member to one another, wherein at least one control arm is articulated at bearing points of the first side member and of the second side member to connect a wheel carrier for a wheel of the motor vehicle. In doing so, a provision is that each of the bearing points is arranged in a bearing connection area of the corresponding side member, in which the side member has less stiffness perpendicular to its longitudinal extension than away from the bearing connection area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventor: Christian Isakiewitsch
  • Patent number: 9718320
    Abstract: An axle link for a motor vehicle includes a body-side connecting element and a wheel-side connecting element. The connecting elements are connected to one another by a rod element, comprised of a metal rod and a reinforcement casing. The metal rod is made of a ductile material and is anchored in the reinforcement casing at the connecting elements. The reinforcement casing is made of a brittle material and has a predetermined breaking point at a longitudinal position between the connecting elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: AUDI AG
    Inventors: Sebastian Schindler, Guido Fessel
  • Patent number: 9446648
    Abstract: Gas spring and gas damper assemblies can include a gas spring that includes a flexible spring member, a first end member and a second end member that together at least partially define a spring chamber. A gas damper can include a first damper element and a second damper element that are telescopically engaged with one another for reciprocal motion. A releasable axial-locking assembly can be operatively connected between the first and second damper elements that is capable of operating in both locked and released conditions. Gas damper assemblies, suspension systems and methods of manufacture are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Firestone Industrial Products Company, LLC
    Inventor: Michael P. Allen
  • Patent number: 9302559
    Abstract: An independent suspension system with self-compensated floating swing arm is provided. The independent suspension system with self-compensated floating swing arm includes at least one of an independent suspension apparatus with self-compensated floating swing arm for controlling wheels of a vehicle to perform linear motion constantly along vertical direction of car body of the vehicle, and a scissors-type anti-skew bar apparatus controlled by centrifugal force for balancing skew force when the vehicle is cornering. The two mechanisms can be used together or independently. Also, they may be applicable for front wheels or rear wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Inventor: He Hou
  • Patent number: 8870191
    Abstract: An active roll control device utilizes driving torque to move a suspension arm side connection point of a stabilizer link connecting both sides of a stabilizer bar with a suspension arm along a sliding unit to actively control vehicle roll. The sliding unit may include slide rails, a load surface on an upper surface and a lower surface, and a guide surface on an inner side surface, a connector is connected to a pushrod of a drive shaft of the operating source and a lower end portion of the stabilizer link through a double ball joint, a plurality of load rollers rotatably disposed on an upper surface and a lower surface of the connector through a roller pin and contacts the load surface of the sliding rail, and guide rollers rotatably on the connector through a roller pin and contacts the guide surface of the sliding rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Un Koo Lee, Sung Bae Jang, Pil Young Jeong
  • Patent number: 8864154
    Abstract: An actuator having an electromechanical drive and a housing is provided. The driving torque provided by an electric motor is transmitted by gear train to two actuator outputs connected to two parts of a stabilizer. The gear train is an eccentric gear train, the drive shaft of which is driven by the electric motor. An overall eccentric driven by the drive shaft has on its circumference a drive gear having a first outer profile and a second outer profile different therefrom. In the operating state the drive gear first outer profile is connected to a first inner profile of a first one of the outputs and the drive gear second outer profile is connected to a second inner profile of the second one of the outputs, and the connection can be eliminated by changing the eccentricity of the eccentric such that both outputs can rotate freely relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Asturia Automotive Systems AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Freund, Andreas Kissler, Tino Schmidt, Matthias Maier, Juergen Schulze
  • Patent number: 8690175
    Abstract: A disconnectible stabilizer bar assembly for a vehicle having first and second stabilizer bar halves, a housing fixed to an end portion of each stabilizer bar half, so as to align the two halves. The housing containing a stator with magnetic coil, a rotor with exterior magnets and threaded onto a hollow screw, with the stator selectively rotating the rotor and the rotation translated into axial movement of the screw. The screw having meshing means on an interior surface and an end face, the interior meshing means meshed with an exterior meshing means on one of the stabilizer bar halves, and the end face meshing means selectively coupled and decoupled with aligned mashing means on the other of the stabilizer bar halves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventor: Mark Brown
  • Patent number: 8616569
    Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement of a stabilizer (44), which is configured in two parts, on a wheel suspension for a motor vehicle, characterized in that the stabilizer parts (43) thereof can be rotated relative to one another in the same or opposite direction by means of an associated motor/gear unit (46). Each stabilizer part (43) comprises a hollow-cylindrical outer torsion bar (49) whose end on the gear side (45) is connected to a gear output (50a) and whose end distal from the gear is connected for drive purposes to an inner torsion bar (47) which is guided through the hollow-cylindrical outer torsion bar (49) and out of the end (45) on the gear side of the hollow-cylindrical outer torsion bar. The inner torsion bar (47) is directly or indirectly connected to an output lever (41) which is articulated on a wheel suspension element (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Audi AG
    Inventors: Armin Ohletz, Walter Schmidt
  • Patent number: 8539675
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a stabilizer bar for a vehicle includes cutting a stabilizer bar material having a round bar-shaped configuration, heating both end portions of the cut stabilizer bar material to be formed as leg bars of the stabilizer bar, rolling both side surfaces of each of both heated end portions of the stabilizer bar material so that both side surfaces are tapered, rotating the stabilizer bar material about an axis thereof between rollers to taper both remaining non-rolled side surfaces of each of both end portions of the stabilizer bar material to be formed as the leg bars of the stabilizer bar, so that each or both end portions of the stabilizer bar material has an elliptical cross-section, forming eyes on distal ends of the stabilizer bar material, and bending the stabilizer bar material into the shape of the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Dae Won Kang Up Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Chan-Gi Jung
  • Patent number: 8490990
    Abstract: The invention relates to a twist-axle that includes a cross-beam member and two trailing arms, each trailing arm rigidly secured to the cross-beam member in one of two connection regions of the cross-beam member or formed integrally with and extending from one of the two connection regions. The cross-beam member is formed from a tubular blank and has a torsionally elastic central portion and two torsionally stiff connection regions. The cross-beam member has a wall thickness that varies longitudinally along the length of the cross-beam member from the torsionally elastic central portion to each of the torsionally stiff connection regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Arcelormittal Tubular Products Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Stefano Lepre
  • Patent number: 8342487
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension comprising a pair of leaf springs (1) located or locatable on respective opposed side of a vehicle chassis (3) and extending longitudinally thereof, and an anti-roll device (12) which is arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle chassis (3), and means (41, 42, 46) mounting opposed ends (22, 23) of the anti roll device (12) rigidly to respective ones of the pair of opposed leaf springs (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Standens Ltd.
    Inventor: John Bolland Reast
  • Patent number: 8007601
    Abstract: A method for producing a tubular bar, more particularly a stabilizer bar, is provided. The method comprises providing a tubular bar of desired size having an outer and inner surface, heating the bar to an elevated temperature, quenching the bar by application of a cooling fluid to the surfaces of the bar, and forming the tube to a desired shape without annealing. The method further provides for the composition of a high-strength, high formability carbon steel alloy to be used in conjunction with the method. Advantageously, the bar is formable without thermal processing subsequent to quenching. In this fashion, metal tubular bars, such as stabilizer bars, may be formed at reduced cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tenaris Connections Limited
    Inventors: Edgardo Oscar López, Lorenzo Vito Caserta, Hernán Juan Desimone, Cuauhtémoc Martinez Salazar
  • Patent number: 7992280
    Abstract: A method of processing a stabilizer bar assembly includes casting a metal anti-shift collar onto a prefabricated stabilizer bar. The metal anti-shift collar may be a zinc alloy, an aluminum alloy, or a magnesium alloy, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: MSSC US
    Inventors: Joseph A. Fader, Leo Medeiros
  • Patent number: 7931281
    Abstract: A variable stiffness stabilizer device (1) has a stabilizer bar (2) and actuators (3). The stabilizer bar (2) has a torsion bar (4) extending in the lateral direction (X1) of a vehicle and arms (6) connected through bend portions (5) to the ends (4a, 4b) of the torsion bar (4) and bendingly deformed according to the strokes of wheel supporting members (11). Variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) of the arms (6) are rotatable about the axes (C1) of the arms (6), so that the bending stiffness of the arms (6) can be changed according to their rotational positions. The actuators (3) rotationally drive the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130) about the axes (C1) to adjust the rotational positions of the variable bending stiffness parts (13; 130).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shingo Maeda, Sadahiro Kawahara, Masanori Arima, Kosuke Yamanaka
  • Patent number: 7909339
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7896359
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of producing a divided tube stabilizer having a swivel motor (2) mutually coupling two tube stabilizer halves (3, 4), a first tube stabilizer half (3) being non-rotatably connected with a first connection part (5) of the swivel motor, and a second stabilizer half (4) being non-rotatably connected with a second connection part (6) of the swivel motor (2). In order to achieve that the tube stabilizer halves can be easily linked in a non-rotatable manner with the connection parts of the swivel motor, the following process steps are suggested: a. The tube ends to be connected with the connection parts (5, 6) of the swivel motor (2) are expanded and upset in one working step by means of a mandrel (20); b. the tube stabilizer halves (3, 4) with the expanded and upset ends are shaped to their final shape by bending; c. the finished bent tube stabilizer halves (3, 4) are subjected to a heat treatment; d.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: ThyssenKrupp Technologies AG
    Inventors: Hans Dziemballa, Lutz Manke, Frank Schneider
  • Patent number: 7841088
    Abstract: A suspension coil spring, when assembled to a suspension device, in which a spring reaction axis is positioned coincident with or sufficiently close to a load input axis, and the design and manufacture of coil springs are facilitated. Namely, A suspension coil spring (19) in a free state is formed so that a coil axis (AC) is bent in V-shape at bend point (PB) and the distance from the end turn center (CU) of the upper seating surface (38) to an imaginary coil axis (AI) is an upper inclination amount (VU), and the distance from the end turn center (CL) to the imaginary coil axis (AI) is a lower inclination amount (VL). When the suspension coil spring (10) is interposed between spring seats (22, 24) in the suspension device and compress along a strut axis, the spring reaction axis of the suspension coil spring (10) is inclined and offset with respect to the imaginary coil axis (AI) according to the inclination amounts (VU, VL).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junji Ogura, Yukihiro Sugimoto, Masahiko Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7832739
    Abstract: A vehicle stabilizer bar assembly having a pair of stabilizer bar members that are selectively uncoupled via a clutch. The clutch includes a moving element that can be selectively moved via an actuator to effect the uncoupling of the stabilizer bar members. The actuator is configured to apply a force to the moving element concentrically about the axis along which the moving element translates. The clutch is configured to transmit torque from one of the stabilizer bar members to the other stabilizer bar member concentrically about the axis. A method for operating a vehicle stabilizer bar assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: American Axle & Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew F. Pinkos, Todd M. York, Curt D. Gilmore, Gary A. Oliveira, Mark A. Danielsen
  • Patent number: 7758056
    Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a pair of suspension assemblies mounted on a pair of spaced vehicle frame members for supporting a vehicle body on the vehicle wheels. A torsion axle extends between the pair of suspension assemblies and terminates in a pair of stub shafts. The axle is mounted on a pair of spaced frame bars attached to the vehicle frame. An air spring extends between the vehicle frame and an outer end of a support arm mounted on the torsion axle. The stub shafts are supported within an outer tube of the torsion axle by a plurality of elastomeric members. One end of each stub shaft is connected to a spindle arm which has a spindle extending from an opposite end of the arm. The outer tube of the torsion axle pivotally supports the air spring support arm and the axis of the torsion axle is coaxial with the pivot axis of the air spring support arm to provide a more compact and sturdy suspension assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Air Suspensions, Inc.
    Inventors: Ervin K. VanDenberg, David H. Croston
  • Publication number: 20100171250
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension comprising a pair of leaf springs (1) located or locatable on respective opposed side of a vehicle chassis (3) and extending longitudinally thereof, and an anti-roll device (12) which is arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle chassis (3), and means (41, 42, 46) mounting opposed ends (22, 23) of the anti roll device (12) rigidly to respective ones of the pair of opposed leaf springs (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventor: John Bolland Reast
  • Patent number: 7726666
    Abstract: An actuator is provided for a two-part stabilizer, which builds up a spring rate in its opened position. A hydraulic absorbing unit (9) is arranged on the axle of the switchable coupling unit (8). The absorbing unit is connected to one stabilizer part (4), on the one hand, and to the other stabilizer part (5), on the other hand. The absorbing unit forms at least one pressure chamber (32) and a suction chamber (33) and assumes a blocked position in the locked position of the switchable coupling (8) and counteracts the relative twisting motion between the two stabilizer parts (4, 5) at a hydraulic spring rate in the opened position of the switchable coupling (8).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Bernd Grannemann, Andreas Hartmann, Jens Vortmeyer, Mauro Zanella
  • Patent number: 7665716
    Abstract: Vehicle suspension comprising a pair of leaf springs (1) located or locatable on respective opposed side of a vehicle chassis (3) and extending longitudinally thereof, and an anti-roll device (12) which is arranged to extend transversely of the vehicle chassis (3), and means (41, 42, 46) mounting opposed ends (22, 23) of the anti roll device (12) rigidly to respective ones of the pair of opposed leaf springs (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Standen's Limited
    Inventor: John Bolland Reast
  • Patent number: 7621513
    Abstract: An anti-shift collar prevents lateral movement of a stabilizer bar assembly. The anti-shift collar is mounted to a fully formed stabilizer bar and then crimped to a central segment of the stabilizer bar at the desired position and is locked to the central segment thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2009
    Assignee: ArvinMeritor Light Vehicle Systems (UK) Lt.d
    Inventors: Derek Owen, Garrick Holmes
  • Patent number: 7599779
    Abstract: In an acceleration estimation device for estimating acceleration of a vehicle, a Karman filter for constant speed estimates x-direction acceleration offset and z-direction acceleration offset when a motorcycle is stopped and is traveling at a constant speed. An offset corrector corrects an x-direction acceleration and a z-direction acceleration on the basis of an x-direction acceleration offset estimated value and a z-direction acceleration offset estimated value when the motorcycle is accelerated and decelerated. A Karman filter for acceleration/deceleration estimates the pitch angle of a vehicle body on the basis of a wheel speed and the corrected x-direction acceleration and z-direction acceleration when the motorcycle is accelerated and decelerated. An acceleration corrector obtains an X-direction acceleration and a Z-direction acceleration on the basis of the estimated pitch angle and the corrected x-direction acceleration and z-direction acceleration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroto Watanabe, Yoshinobu Nishiike, Yoshitaka Nishiike, legal representative
  • Patent number: 7591453
    Abstract: A stabilizer (1) used in a vehicle is provided by a tubular element (2) with a middle section (3) and two end sections (4a and 4b), where the end sections (4a and 4b) is bent at an angle relative the middle section (3) so that the stabilizer (1) attains a U-shape. Section surfaces perpendicular to the longitudinal/center axes (A3 and/or A4) of the tubular element at the middle section (3) and/or the end sections (4a and 4b) are of a shape where one of two vectors (V1 and V2) in the plane of a section surface is longer than the other, both vectors originating from the center of gravity of the section surface (P), extending to the periphery of the tubular element and being at an angle relative to each other. A method of manufacturing a stabilizer is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Accra Teknik AB
    Inventors: Anders Sundgren, Göran Berglund, Mats Lindberg
  • Patent number: 7591472
    Abstract: In rear wheel suspensions, which suspend left and right rear wheels independently, to downsize, reduce in weight and simplify a stabilizer without specifically strengthening the same. Upper and lower arms which form suspension arms in a double wishbone structure are swingably supported by a front arm supporting frame and a rear arm supporting frame provided on front and rear sides of a rear cushion. A cross portion of a stabilizer is swingably supported by the stabilizer brackets provided on a front surface of the rear arm supporting frame, and left and right arm portions extending toward the front are arranged upwardly of the left and right upper arms so as to be placed inside thereof in plan view respectively, and distal ends thereof are connected to the left and right upper arms respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Toshiki Kinjyo, Takeshi Okaniwa, Takuya Tagami
  • Patent number: 7549658
    Abstract: To achieve a low wheel spring rate at low wheel loads and a higher wheel spring rate at higher wheel loads, each wheel of a rear-wheel suspension is equipped with a torsion bar spring which cooperates by way of a pressure rod connected with the wheel carrier. An adjusting device is connected with the torsion bar spring to act upon an additional spring element which can take up a controlled elastic position or a blocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Reinhard Kunert, Swen Zschocke
  • Patent number: 7500660
    Abstract: To provide a vehicle stabilizer for high stress in which fatigue life of a bending portion can be prolonged and which can exhibit excellent durability. A configuration of a bending portion 16, to which a maximum stress is applied and which is the most fragile part, of a vehicle stabilizer for high stress 10 is formed in a state which satisfies conditions: 0<??4 and (?×d/R)?2 wherein d represents a material diameter before bending process, R represents a radius of bending of the bending portion 16, d1 represents a short axis dimension of a cross section of the bending portion 16, d2 represents a long axis dimension of a cross section of the bending portion 16, and a flat rate ? of a cross section of the bending portion 16 is represented by the following equation: ?=(d2?d1)/d2×100.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Steel Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Teruhisa Hanamura, Hidetaka Narishima, Takashi Yajima
  • Patent number: 7500685
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar assembly for an automotive vehicle includes a stabilizer bar, a bushing mounted to the stabilizer bar, and a support ring mounted onto the stabilizer bar adjacent the bushing to provide a stop to prevent the bushing from moving axially along the stabilizer bar. The support ring has a plurality of inwardly extending projections. Each of the inwardly extending projections has a distal end in contact with an outer surface of the stabilizer bar. The distal ends of the inwardly extending projections are welded to the outer surface of the stabilizer bar to secure the support ring onto the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holding, LLC
    Inventors: Haimian Cai, Xinjian Fan, Mikhal El Arculli
  • Patent number: 7478820
    Abstract: An axial-direction intermediate portion (21) of a torsion beam is pressed so as to have a substantially V-shape cross section. The axial direction intermediate portion (21) includes an outer wall (21a) and an inner wall (21b). Plural protrusions (21a1) (convex portions) formed on the outer wall (21a) are in contact with the inner wall (21b). The plural protrusions (21a1) are arranged at predetermined intervals on one straight line along an axial direction of the torsion beam. An inter-wall space (21c) having a width equivalent to a height of the protrusions (21a1) is formed between the outer wall (21a) and the inner wall (21b). The width of the inter-wall space (21c) is set to a predetermined value, considering torsional rigidity and a shear center position of the torsion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Satoshi Murata
  • Patent number: 7401797
    Abstract: A support block at a trailing arm and a stabilizer link that varies in contact state to the support block form a large toe-in during out-of phase movement of both wheels and form a small toe-in during in-phase movement of the wheels, thereby embodying an appropriate toe-in displacement according to the vehicle turn and forward motion, thus improving the vehicle driving characteristics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventor: Young-Gun Cho
  • Patent number: 7322590
    Abstract: The lower side of a fuel tank positioned above a torsion beam is downwardly convexly formed, and the torsion beam is also downwardly convexly bent in correspondence to the lower side of the fuel tank, thereby providing a sufficient capacity of the fuel tank and space for allowing the torsion beam to smoothly operate therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Hyundai Mobis Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Gyoung-Tae Kye
  • Patent number: 7216860
    Abstract: A mount support of a force connection strut is provided manufactured from plastic/metal composite materials for a chassis of a motor vehicle. The force connection strut has an elongated basic body and a sleeve (H) passing through the basic body. The sleeve (H) has a flange (F) on at least one side and is connected to the basic body by extrusion coating with plastic at least at one of its ends.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Frank Budde, Stefan Schönhoff, Jochen Kruse
  • Patent number: 7128328
    Abstract: A mechanical stop is adapted to be mounted onto a rigid bar and includes a single piece conically shaped body having a plurality of inwardly extending projections. Each of the inwardly extending projections have a distal end that is contoured to match an outer surface of the bar. The distal ends define an opening. The conically shaped body is adapted to be plastically deformed to a substantially flat shape after being placed onto the rigid bar. The opening includes a first dimension larger than the rigid bar prior to being plastically deformed and a second dimension smaller than the rigid bar after being plastically deformed. After the conically shaped body is plastically deformed into a substantially flat shape, the distal ends will frictionally engage the outer surface of the rigid bar to secure the mechanical stop thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Automotive Components Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Daniel Thomas Torongo
  • Patent number: 7121559
    Abstract: A roll bar (1?) for a motor vehicle is proposed according to the present invention, with an unsplit torsion bar (5?), which is rotatably fastened to a vehicle chassis (3), is connected to two opposite wheel suspensions (4?) of the said axle of the vehicle, and has a torsion area for the elastic coupling of spring action movements of the opposite wheel suspensions (4?), wherein the roll bar (1?) has, furthermore, a first torsion tube (8?), which surrounds the unsplit torsion bar (5?) at least in a first partial area (B?) of its torsion area, and whose first end (8a?) is connected to the unsplit torsion bar (5?), rotating in unison therewith, and whose second end (8b?) can be connected to the unsplit torsion bar (5?) by means of a clutch arrangement (9?) in such a way that it selectively rotates in unison therewith, so that the torsional stiffness of the roll bar (1?) can be varied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Jens Vortmeyer
  • Patent number: 6948707
    Abstract: A stabilizer bar (D) for controlling the roll of an automotive vehicle has left and right sections (16, 18) joined together at a coupling (20) including a housing (36) on one of the sections and on a rotor (38) on the other section, with the rotor being in the housing. The coupling also includes a piston (40) which displaces axially in the housing in response to relative rotation between the sections, and this varies the volume in a housing cavity (80) behind it. That cavity is connected to a valve (22) having a restrictor (98) that carries an electrical coil (104). Both the valve and housing cavity contain a rheological fluid (82). The cease with which the piston displaces in the housing controls the stiffness of bar, and that depends on the viscosity of the fluid in the valve. The magnetic field produced by the coil controls the viscosity of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: The Timken Company
    Inventor: Mircea Gradu
  • Patent number: 6874792
    Abstract: A stabilizer for a motor vehicle has a torsion bar divided into two shafts (1 and 2). The two shafts (1 and 2) are connected to one another via a mechanical coupling. The coupling has a locking disk, which is connected to a first of the two shafts (1), rotating with it in unison, and on the circumference of which at least one locking area is formed, and a housing (3), which is connected to the second shaft (2), rotating with it in unison. At least one locking mechanism (10), which is complementary to the locking area and engages the locking area in the coupled state of the coupling, is mounted movably on the housing (3). Furthermore, a spring (11), by which the locking mechanism (10) is pretensioned in the direction of the locking disk, is connected to the housing (3) and to the locking mechanism (10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Jens Vortmeyer, Metin Ersoy
  • Patent number: 6789812
    Abstract: An antisway bar assembly and kit for the same for use in a automobile or a bus or other vehicle, the antisway bar assembly including an antisway bar including first and second ends and a center portion therebetween. Antisway bar assembly further includes first and second mounting arrangement for rotatably securing first and second ends of antisway bar. In one example embodiment, first and second mounting arrangement are mounted on a vehicle chassis or frame between a kingpin and an airbag on each end of front wheel axle assembly. A method for replacing a stock A-frame antisway bar assembly on a vehicle chassis including removing the stock A-frame assembly and coupling first and second mounting arrangement to the vehicle chassis and rotatably securing a first end and a second end of a replacement antisway bar to the first and second mounting arrangement, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Featherlite, Inc.
    Inventor: David Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040070129
    Abstract: A connection strut of a chassis of a passenger car or utility vehicle for the connection between the chassis and the wheel carrier, preferably an axle strut or a chassis control arm, with an elongated basic body and at least two mount supports arranged at the end for introducing and leading out forces. The basic body has a composite between a flat metal insert and a plastic structure forming the rest of the contour. The plastic structure is formed by encasement of the metal insert. The rest of the contour is defined here as the difference between the final contour of the force connection strut and the portion that is formed by the metal insert.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventors: Frank Budde, Jochen Kruse, Stefan Schonhoff
  • Patent number: 6659475
    Abstract: A suspension system includes a stabilizer bar having decouplable end links. A first segment of each end link is attached to the suspension member while a second segment is attached to the stabilizer bar. The second segment preferably selectively telescopes within the first segment. When the end links are engaged, the stabilizer bar is rigidly linked to the suspension members to provide roll resistance in a known manner. When the end links are disengaged, the second segment telescopes relative to the first segment to decouple motion of the suspension member from the stabilizer bar. The affect of the stabilizer bar is removed and the articulation range of suspension system is increased as it is unhindered by the torsional resistance produced by the stabilizer bar. Activation can be provided automatically through the controller or manually through a switch operated by the driver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle, LLC
    Inventors: Mark Clements, Joe Fader, Chris Keeney, Steve Yollick, Jim Hawkins
  • Patent number: 6651991
    Abstract: A housing attaches a stabilizer bar to the body of a vehicle and includes pin stops which actively control the stiffness of the stabilizer bar. A spring positioned about each of the pins provide a retaining spring force on the head of the pin, preventing the pins from moving into an aperture in the housing. When a sensor detects that lateral acceleration or yaw rate exceeds a threshold value, an actuator drives pins to overcome the spring force, pushing the pins into the aperture. When the pins are actuated, a protrusion on the stabilizer bar is trapped between the pins. When the vehicle turns and the stabilizer bar axially twists, the protrusion eventually contacts one the pins, preventing further rotation and stiffening the stabilizer bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Meritor Light Vehicle Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Robert P. Carlstedt, James B. Chamberlin, Ragnar H. Ledesma, Nancy L. Saxon, Dennis A. Kramer, Doyle R. Downey, Joseph Cubalchini, Jr., Monte G. Williams
  • Patent number: 6641151
    Abstract: A suspension system for vehicle wheels is disclosed including a tubular spring, a link arm for connecting a wheel frame for mounting the wheel to a vehicle body to the wheel spindle carrying the wheel itself, the link arm disposed at one end of the tubular spring and a stabilizer disposed inside the tubular spring and adapted to protrude from the end of the tubular spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Volvo Personvagnar AB
    Inventor: Sigvard Zetterström
  • Publication number: 20030137090
    Abstract: According to prior art, stabilisers are provided with an actuator that is provided with a considerable linear extension which negatively affects the effective springy lengths of the two stabiliser components. Driving comfort is thus decreased. The aim of the invention is to increase the effectively springy lengths of the two stabiliser components. The invention essentially relates to two stabiliser components (1, 1′, 2, 2′) which, together with the respective rotating components (4, 4′, 5, 5′) of the actuator, form one part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 7, 2002
    Publication date: July 24, 2003
    Inventors: Klaus Reichel, Winfried Kruger, Stefan Beetz, Christian Klasen
  • Patent number: 6554305
    Abstract: A vehicle roll control system including a torsion bar having a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions disposed along the longitudinal axis. A first arm includes a passive end fixed to the first end of the torsion bar and extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. A second arm is provided having an active end rotatably coupled to the second end portion of the torsion bar and also extending transverse to the longitudinal axis. The opposite ends of the first and second arms are each configured to couple to the vehicle chassis. An actuator including a cam locking element is provided for selectively locking and unlocking the active end of the second arm to thereby selectively prevent and allow rotation of the active arm relative to the torsion bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Delphi Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary C. Fulks
  • Patent number: 6550788
    Abstract: An electromechanical stabilizer for the chassis of a vehicle, particularly a motor vehicle, is provided having an actuator which is integrated between two stabilizer halves and, as required, rotates the two stablizer halves with respect to one another by a rotation angle. The actuator consists of an electric motor as well as of a transmission connected to the output side of this electric motor. The transmission has a transmission ratio which changes as a function of the angle of rotation. The transmission is designed such that the smallest possible transmission ratio occurs in the neutral position while the stabilizer halves are not rotated with respect to one another. For large angles of rotation, this transmission ratio changes in the “infinite” direction. The transmission having a variable transmission ratio can be constructed for example, as a hypocycloidal transmission with linear guides or as an eccentric transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Assignee: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Roland Schmidt, Albert Van der Knaap, Torsten Wey